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Purpose <p>To identify and review scientific evidence from experimental studies utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to transport samples for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB). This exploratory study aims to support the future development of UAVs for transporting biological samples within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).</p> Methods <p>This scoping review defined its eligibility criteria using the PECO acronym, focusing on: <b>P</b>opulation: biological samples for diagnosing COVID-19 or TB; <b>E</b>xposure: UAV transportation; <b>C</b>omparator: land transportation; <b>O</b>utcomes: Cost, effectiveness, methods for sample preservation, flight parameters (time, altitude, speed, distance), and quality of transported samples. Eligible studies were identified through searches in Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Grey literature was explored via Google Scholar.</p> Results <p>Of the 2,052 articles initially found, 797 were duplicates, 1,247 were screened by title and abstract and excluded, eight were retrieved (and fully read) of which five met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. These studies provided diverse evidence regarding cost, operational performance, safety, and sample integrity.</p> Conclusion <p>The reviewed studies demonstrate promising applications of UAVs in healthcare logistics. However, regulatory and legal frameworks require adaptation to ensure operational safety. Further experimental studies are necessary, particularly involving beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, to evaluate scalability and potential cost reductions.</p>

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The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) on Delivering Biological Samples for COVID-19 and Tuberculosis Diagnosis: A Scoping Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月6日

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  • Olga Maíra Machado Rodrigues,
  • Izabela Gimenes Lopes,
  • Mariah Eduarda Ferreira de Oliveira,
  • Mônica Angélica Carreira Fragoso,
  • Maria Regina Fernandes de Oliveira,
  • Raquel Santos Silva,
  • Glaura Regina de Castro e Caldo Lima,
  • Amílcar Sabino Damazo,
  • Wagner de Jesus Martins

摘要

Purpose

To identify and review scientific evidence from experimental studies utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to transport samples for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB). This exploratory study aims to support the future development of UAVs for transporting biological samples within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

Methods

This scoping review defined its eligibility criteria using the PECO acronym, focusing on: Population: biological samples for diagnosing COVID-19 or TB; Exposure: UAV transportation; Comparator: land transportation; Outcomes: Cost, effectiveness, methods for sample preservation, flight parameters (time, altitude, speed, distance), and quality of transported samples. Eligible studies were identified through searches in Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Grey literature was explored via Google Scholar.

Results

Of the 2,052 articles initially found, 797 were duplicates, 1,247 were screened by title and abstract and excluded, eight were retrieved (and fully read) of which five met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. These studies provided diverse evidence regarding cost, operational performance, safety, and sample integrity.

Conclusion

The reviewed studies demonstrate promising applications of UAVs in healthcare logistics. However, regulatory and legal frameworks require adaptation to ensure operational safety. Further experimental studies are necessary, particularly involving beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, to evaluate scalability and potential cost reductions.